OUR PEOPLE

Niki Sherriff

Operations Manager - Clinical Services

I joined the TalkLink Northern Region team in 2021 as a Speech and Language Therapist. I completed my undergraduate studies in 1996 in Birmingham, UK, before heading to New Zealand. I’ve worked extensively in the Education and Adult disability sectors across UK and NZ – particularly in Auckland and Northland. Recently in the UK, I worked exclusively in the field of AAC and I caught the AAC bug. I worked in a generalist special school, as well as a Conductive Education setting, working alongside primary and secondary students on their AAC journey. I was fortunate to work alongside skilled multidisciplinary teams who all focused on AAC. I believe that working in this team environment is a key element of successful AAC implementation.

I love learning and sharing knowledge and am excited by the fast pace world of technology. I am passionate about giving vulnerable people a voice and supporting their ability to participate with independence in all areas of life.

Glen Dixon

Operations Manager - Technical Services

I have had a long standing interest in the area of technology and disability sector. Coming to work at TalkLink has really been the perfect fit in bringing these areas and related skills together.

I have previously worked as an Occupational Therapist in both acute and community based health settings since 1998.  Exposure to multiple workplace and multidisciplinary team environments has provided valuable experience across a range practice areas including, wheelchairs and seating, hand therapy, worksite ergonomics, and adaptive building design. I have assisted with individual, family and community based projects, and also provided training packages to support workers and other education facilities. Joining TalkLink in 2006 provided the opportunity to combine the various compatible skills and familiarity with funding processes to explore assistive technology options for people with disabilities.

I was appointed as Manager at TalkLink’s Auckland office in September 2007. This role has two components. The first of which remains client focused with assessment, application and training of communication and assistive technology.   The second part of this role is with managing Talklink’s Auckland based service. Primary responsibilities involve developing and supporting staff to meet and excel with service standards in the area of communication assistive technology. I manage incoming referrals and allocation, manage budget allocations, and help develop service initiatives with projects and general processes in general day to day operations. Regular contact with the TalkLink General Manager provides continued support and alignment with the vision set by the Talklink Trust Board.

Technology will always continue to change and develop, making both old and new ideas to become reality. This will continue to broaden the access and freedom for those with disabilities; making it a continually rewarding area to be involved in.

Alex Middeldorp

Assistive Technical Support

I started working for TalkLink in 2011. I’m the other Tech/Admin Support person for TalkLink Auckland. I mostly deal with maintenance, preparation, and repairs of TalkLink’s and Client’s AAC devices. I also maintain/develop a small amount of TalkLink’s IT infrastructure.

I’ve been interested in computers and mobile tech since a young age and find myself learning a lot of valuable, and interesting, skills and knowledge working at TalkLink.

Amanda Roberton

Occupational Therapist

I joined the TalkLink team in early 2017 as a new graduate Occupational Therapist.

As a student I had the opportunity to gain experience in a range of settings including older adults, child and adolescent mental health, and wheelchairs and seating, however I have always enjoyed working with children. I gained interest in assistive technology after working as a teacher aid in a special school before I began studying occupational therapy through AUT. Having worked in a classroom of young adults with complex needs, I have always had a keen interest in the use of technology to access the curriculum and their wider world. I find the ever changing nature of technology exciting as it is constantly opening up new possibilities. I worked closely alongside a number of students using assistive technology and saw how it empowered them to increase their independence and participation. It was at this time I realised that I was also in a position to advocate for those who may have less opportunity to do so; something I am very passionate about.

Being part of the team at TalkLink allows me to continue to increase my knowledge around assistive technology and also my love of working with children.

Bridget Thompson

Speech Language Therapist

I joined the TalkLink team in March 2016. Prior to this I worked as a Speech Language Therapist for The Ministry of Education for 4 years supporting children with a range of moderate to complex communication needs within numerous education contexts. I have had experience working with adult clients in both hospital and community health settings during clinical placements. Before gaining my Masters in Speech Language Therapy practice from The University of Auckland in 2011, I completed a BSc(Hons) and travelled around the world for 3 years.

In all roles I have enjoyed working with clients and their teams to help identify appropriate learning and communication solutions. I have experience using both high and low tech alternative and augmentative communication systems and am passionate about empowering children and adults to access functional communication and participation in all areas of their daily lives.

Cheryl D’Silva

Lead Administrator

After obtaining my degree in Psychology, I worked for a multi-national company overseas. Prior to working at TalkLink Trust I worked in the Health sector for 13 years.

I now manage Referrals, queries and provide admin support to the Upper North Island team.  It is fascinating and satisfying to see how Assistive Technology helps people communicate and the difference it makes to people, thus helping them have a better quality of life.

Christina Doughty

Speech Language Therapist

I graduated from Massey University in 2014 and completed my final placement as a student at TalkLink Trust. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here as a student and so it is great to be back in a professional role.

Before starting at TalkLink I was working in a special school for three years. Over this time I gained experience in working with students aged 5-21 with a variety of communication needs. I enjoyed working with a range of students including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, facilitating them to express themselves and supporting their access to the curriculum.

I have always been passionate about giving people a voice and allowing them to actively participate in their lives and access their community. In 2016 I completed my post graduate certificate in speech language therapy with a focus on supporting the use of assistive technology in classrooms and natural settings. I thoroughly enjoyed my research and found that the more I looked into implementing augmentative and alternative communication, the more passionate I became about it.

Christina Patching

Occupational Therapist

I completed the Bachelor in Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy) in 2007. My postgraduate experiences and training have focused around accreditation in functional assessment and provision of therapy services for all ages, infant to older person. I have experience working within the community to provide therapy services and behaviour support programs for people who have limitations within the area of orthopaedics, neurology, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and sensory processing or developmental delay. I have also had the opportunity to work within community settings to facilitate child development and parenting groups, and I have occasionally represented the occupational therapy profession when discussing child development and access to play-based learning on a morning TV breakfast show.

I am a keen therapist who enjoys working with clients who require assistive technology to reach their goals and full potential in communication and access to meaningful tasks.

Claire Crooks

Speech Language Therapist

Ko Maunagtapere te maunga

Ko Wairua te awa

Ko Maungarongo te marae

Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka

Ko Hineamaru te Ranagatira

Ko Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Hine nga iwi

Ko te Uriroroi te hapu

Ko Claire Crooks toku ingoa

I graduated from Massey University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Speech Language Therapy. During my time at Massey I received a number of clinical experience opportunities with adults and paediatric clients across educational and health settings. This included a placement at the TalkLink Trust in 2019.

Following this, I worked as a Speech-Language Therapist in the Ministry of Education for two years. In this role I supported children with a range of moderate to complex communication needs within many education contexts. I was able to work collaboratively with teams, students, and whānau to implement low tech AAC.I found great enthusiasm for AAC as I could see the confidence and positive influence it has on the students and their whānau.

I joined the TalkLink Auckland team in 2022. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, teams, and whānau to support them in finding the right communication solutions to support participation in their daily lives.

Geneva Hakaraia-Tino

Project lead - Tua o te Pae

Ivana Middeldorp

Assistive Technology Support

Jennie Burrowes

Team Leader/Occupational Therapist

Jennifer Rim

Speech language Therapist (Parental leave)

I was born in Korea and migrated to New Zealand with my family. I completed my schooling in New Zealand then I graduated from the Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice from the University of Auckland in 2014. I worked as a Speech Language Therapist for The Ministry of Education for 6 years, supporting children and young people with complex communication needs in a variety of educational settings. I have worked with adults in hospitals and community settings and I proactively continue to support adults with communication difficulties through various volunteering positions.

I have a special interest in aided and unaided AAC for communication and speech disorders and supporting early and emergent literacy. I enjoy working with a variety of different people and get real satisfaction when I am able to support the AAC user and the wider team to start seeing and feeling successful in their everyday communication within their daily routines.

Jessamy Bell

Speech Language Therapist

I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to New Zealand in 2001.  I graduated from Massey University in 2011 as a Speech-Language Therapist and started working at a special school and a mainstream school in Auckland. While working in special education I completed my Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Emergent Literacy for Students with Complex Communication Needs.  Throughout that time I worked with several TalkLink therapists to assess, trial communication devices and provide training for students and their families who required alternative communication systems and strategies to support and enhance their communication. The more I worked in the area of augmentative and alternative communication the more passionate I became about it.

I started working at TalkLink’s Northern office in October 2013 and have covered several regional areas during this time. In 2018 I completed my Masters in Speech Therapy, focusing on the experience of children and families who attend KiwiChat Camp. I am passionate about providing the right communication solution for clients and their families, whether it is giving advice on strategies or making recommendations about low or high tech communication systems.

Jesse Benbow

Therapy Assistant

Kia ora koutou. I graduated from Auckland University of Technology in 2004 with a Bachelor of Health Science Occupational Therapy. My professional journey stretched over 10 years as an Occupational Therapist and across a number of fields including community mental health, traumatic brain injury, vocational rehabilitation and intellectual disability. During this time I was able to gain extensive knowledge and valuable experience working with a wonderfully diverse group of clientele and alongside numerous organisations.

I then took an extended break, to raise a family, grow a vegetable garden and tend to chickens. I re-entered the workforce starting at TalkLink in March 2024 as a Therapy Assistant. This is a meaningful multifaceted role that provides support for the clinical, technical and administrative staff. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the inspiring individuals who access this service, while balancing both my family and work life.   

Lauren Forster

Speech Language Therapist

I grew up in London and graduated from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff in 2007 after completing a BSc Honours degree in Speech-Language Therapy.

I moved to New Zealand in 2008 and worked in a hospital with adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. In 2010 I moved to work with paediatric clients with a wide variety of communication difficulties in settings including mainstream and specialist schools, early childhood centres and homes. I have held a specialist role in the UK in a school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder aged between five and 18.

I am passionate about the importance of all individuals having access to autonomous communication. It was this passion that originally led me to a career in speech-language therapy, and more specifically into the field of alternative and augmentative communication.

I enjoy empowering individuals, their whanāu and the wider team. Working together, we can find the most suitable communication system for each person, giving them a voice to participate and achieve their full potential.

Liz Corbett

Speech Language Therapist

Prior to joining the TalkLink whānau, I worked across education, health, and rehabilitation sectors for six years. Before graduating as a Speech Language Therapist from Massey University, I obtained a BA in English and Linguistics from University of Otago.

Throughout my years of experience, I have seen the power of AAC in enabling individuals to be able to share their thoughts and ideas, and the positive impact this has on their sense of belonging, as well as maintaining their mana.

I am a firm believer that every voice deserves to be heard and am excited to be part of a team with a shared passion for communication.

Mable Mathew

Speech Language Therapist

I was born in Saudi Arabia, where I spent most of my childhood and completed my schooling. Later, I moved to India for my tertiary education, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology in 2018. Since then, I have been actively engaged in the field, acquiring valuable skills across various settings. I have two years of experience working in the community with sensitive clients, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, addressing their speech and language difficulties before relocating to New Zealand.

Upon moving to New Zealand, I advanced my education by obtaining a Postgraduate Degree in Science from the University of Canterbury and a Postgraduate Certificate in Dysphagia from the University of Auckland. My professional experience includes working in an aged care facility, where I supported patients with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and dementia. I gained practical knowledge in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) by assisting residents in expressing their needs using both low-tech and high-tech communication devices for daily interactions. Additionally, I supported dysphagic patients with safe swallowing strategies.

Furthermore, I have volunteered with the Cantabrainers Choir, where I helped individuals with aphasia regain confidence and improve their ability to socialize and engage in group settings. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with speech therapists at Christchurch DHB, assisting in managing their caseloads. My efforts in creating personalized low-tech communication boards have positively impacted clients’ communication outcomes, which sparked my interest in AAC.

I believe that my journey with TalkLink Trust will enable me to harness the transformative potential of AAC to help individuals meet their communication needs in various public contexts.

Mandy Slade

Clinical Assistant

I have been a user of Assistive Technology for a number of years. Since graduating from Mt Roskill Grammar in 2002, I have been working at TalkLink in a clinical assistant role to support staff. I am responsibility for developing communication resources including creating symbol resources on BoardMaker, and programming communication devices.

Paula Shennan

Team Leader/Speech language Therapist

I have worked for TalkLink since 2010, starting in the Central team before relocating back to Auckland. In 2019 I became a Clinical Leader within the TalkLink team. I currently cover the wider Auckland and Hawkes Bay regions. 

I have experience working with clients of all ages and with a wide range of disabilities across multiple regions within the North Island. I thrive on a challenge, and enjoy finding the best solution for my clients and their teams. I have a particular interest in working with clients with multiple and profound disabiliites, degenerative conditions and those in acute hospital care. I enjoy working with technology and ensuring that systems are able to work well for clients and their teams. 

 I provide support for therapists to obtain their CATL1 accredication and support training workshops to upskill in AAC. 

Polly Thomas

Resource Teacher

Kia ora.

I have a Psychology degree and a primary teaching qualification from the UK, and have been a special needs teacher, both in NZ and overseas since 1993. I have spent most of my teaching career working with children with complex communication needs and, thanks to all my amazing students over the years, have developed a love of AAC.

I have been working for TalkLink as a resource teacher since 2001, returning to the classroom several times in between to keep my teaching skills on track.  I love the combination of teaching and working for TalkLink as my TalkLink time keeps me right up to date with the latest developments in technology and resources, and my teaching time allows me to use and develop these skills in real environments.

I am currently based in the north of the country, working out of Whangarei and supporting Northland and the Far North. I also travel to other parts of the country regularly to provide training and support to my speech-language therapy colleagues.

I recently was fortunate to travel to Australia to complete a literacy intensive course focused on developing literacy skills for students with complex communication needs. This has added a whole new set of tools to my tool box which I am looking forward to sharing with teaching colleagues across the country.

Sam Brydon

Speech Language Therapist

I graduated as a speech language therapist from Manchester University in England and worked in a variety of early intervention roles before emigrating to Aotearoa with my family in 2007. I started working for TalkLink in 2023, based in the Waikato. Prior to this, I worked in a special school for 14 years; this is where I developed my passion for AAC, alongside interests in evidence-based practice. I also worked for the Ministry of Education for 2 years.

I have recently completed doctoral research through Massey University that focused on the use of core boards as an AAC system for pre-school children, alongside a training and coaching programme for their parents. My thesis won the Dean’s List of Exceptional Theses award. This research, combined with my professional experience, means that I am particularly passionate about providing personalised and high-quality support to communication partners of people who use AAC.

Outside of my TalkLink role, I am the Aotearoa-based trainer for LAMP Words for Life, and I also provide professional development about coaching for communication partners.

Tara Mills

Occupational Therapist

I returned to the TalkLink Team after a 2 year stint in the UK where I was working in mainstream schools, supporting students to access the curriculum. During my studies I gained valuable experiences in the community (mental/physical), orthopaedic, paediatric and neurological settings. It was when I was working in a special school, that I  was instantly drawn to assistive technology, when I saw how it empowered students to communicate and participate in meaningful activities.

I enjoy working with clients and those supporting them to use assistive technology to achieve their goals.